The arrival of a second recycling bin in Old Orchard Beach this week was  greeted with fanfare ”“ a sign that the town is determined to improve its  recycling rate.

 Maine has always held high hopes for recycling; since 1989 it has  been the state’s official goal to achieve a recycling rate of 50 percent.

It’s a goal Maine’s cities and towns have consistently failed to achieve. Although recycling once rose above 40 percent, the statewide recycling rate in 2008 was 38.7 percent.

But as recycling  becomes more of an economic necessity for towns, officials are finding ways to increase participation. The acquisition of a  second “Silver Bullet” recycling bin was pushed by the Old Orchard Beach Recycling Committee because the single bin ”“ capacity two tons ”“ has been filling up every five days.

The bin enables recycling by those living  in condominiums and mobile home parks who are not eligible for curbside recycling. With more capacity it is likely the town will increase its 20 percent recycling rate, lower disposal costs and reduce the amount of waste that must be incinerated.

The bins are provided by Ecomaine, a waste management cooperative of 21 cities and towns. The company provides single-stream recycling for paper, cardboard, glass, metal, glass and plastics. Providing such convenience has proven effective in raising recycling rates.

The costs and difficulties of trash disposal will only increase in the coming years. Members of recycling committees in Old Orchard Beach and elsewhere will probably have many more challenges ”“ or opportunities ”“ to increase the town’s recycling rate.

— Questions? Comments? Contact Managing Editor Nick Cowenhoven at nickc@journaltribune.com.